ECM New Series presents the first album devoted to the music of Tabakova, a composer born in Bulgaria in 1980 but raised from a young age in London. In Tabakova's music - richly melodic, texturally sensuous, often emotionally radiant - there resides the new and the familiar, or rather the familiar within the new, and vice versa; there are the spirits of East and West coursing through the pieces, usually hand in hand; and just as the composer's technical virtuosity is apparent, she possesses a desire, and a gift, or direct communication that can be heard in virtually every measure. The recording featured Tabakova's Concerto for Cello & String and the Rameau-channeling Suite in Old Style for viola and chamber orchestra, as well as three chamber works: the string trio Insight, the string septet Such Different Paths and a trio for violin, accordion and double-bass, Frozen River Flows. The performer includes star violinist Janine Jansen and several of Tabakova's former conservatory colleagues: violinist Roman Mints, violist-conductor Max Rysanov and cellist Kristina Blaumane, principal with the London Philharmonic Orchestra.

Gramophone Magazine, June 2013The performances are as formidably assured as the roster of musicians would suggest...If not revelatory, Tabakova's is still a thoughtful and approachable new voice which ought to secure an enthusiastic following.

The Arts Desk, 1st June 2013She's brilliant at seizing your attention...Tabakova's Suite in Old Style for viola and chamber orchestra won't frighten anyone - an affectionate baroque pastiche which does plumb genuine depths...ECM's sound is, as usual, rich and detailed.

MusicWeb International, 16th July 2013Tabakova may be Bulgarian-born but she has drunk deep from the British pastoral spring. Her music is tonal, unequivocally emotional and tuneful...Revel in this - you cannot help but be emotionally moved.

BBC Music Magazine, August 2013Tabakova writes for her chosen instruments with disarming naturalness and enthusiasm...Contemporary music, in short, that's amazingly easy on the ear.

American Record Guide, September/October 2013Dobrinka Tabakova was born in Bulgaria in 1980 and raised in London. String Paths is the name of this release, and the trails lead to a surprising variety of places. Tabakova's way of writing is to make the instruments sound like other instruments. Insight is a 10-minute piece for string trio where the group imitates an accordion. Frozen River Flows is a relatively short work for violin, accordion, and double bass, originally written for oboe and percussion. Suite in Old Style is a lively three-movement viola concerto with strings and harpsichord. The program ends with a 17-minute piece for string septet, Such Different Paths. It was written for the violinist Janine Jansen and contains a good deal of solo work for her. Tabakova's music is not only sonically descriptive but full of moods and feeling. It is romantic in essence and imaginatively satisfying. It leaves this listener with a good taste in the mouth.